Ten-man Sunderland edge nearer safety

Sunderland's coach Paolo Di Canio (center) reacts with players after their English Premier League soccer match against Stoke City in Sunderland, northern England on May 6, 2013. Ten-man Sunderland took a small step towards Premier League survival after coming from behind to draw 1-1 at home to Stoke on Monday. -- PHOTO: REUTERS

SUNDERLAND, United Kingdom (AFP) - Ten-man Sunderland took a small step towards Premier League survival after coming from behind to draw 1-1 at home to Stoke on Monday.

Former Manchester United defender John O'Shea rescued a point for Paolo di Canio's side, already a man down after Craig Gardner was sent off, when he struck from close range in the 63rd minute following a corner.

Jon Walters gave Stoke a ninth minute lead, reacting first to fire home after his header from Charlie Adam's cross was blocked.

Then, for the second match in a row, Sunderland found themselves down to 10 men after Gardner was shown a straight red card by referee Lee Mason for an over the ball one-footed challenge on Adam.